tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post623640443567199571..comments2024-02-02T07:13:37.313-06:00Comments on Like Merchant Ships: More frugality discussionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-63849482020963073742007-07-27T09:40:00.000-05:002007-07-27T09:40:00.000-05:00I don't feel that thrift shopping is robbing the n...I don't feel that thrift shopping is robbing the needy because not only am I spending money at thrift shops that use that money to HELP the needy (Goodwill, ARCO, etc.), but when I change sizes, stop nursing, have a girl baby after three boys, or have other life changes, I donate back all the clothing and shoes I won't be needing anymore. I have a very small, basic wardrobe, and it gets boring to wear the same old sweater after a while. So I will find a "new" one at a thrift store, and donate my perfectly good sweater that I am simply tired of. The needy, the thrift store, and I all benefit. Win, win, win.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-78849871222001967882007-05-07T12:45:00.000-05:002007-05-07T12:45:00.000-05:00Hi, Meredith,I'm going to do something I rarely do...Hi, Meredith,<BR/>I'm going to do something I rarely do, and that is comment without reading what has gone on before. I read Challies' article and I read some of the comments there, especially towards the end when they started to get downright harsh and critical.<BR/>And here's what I think is the real issue- these critics are not at all comfortable with any sort of independent, entrepreneurial (sp?) mindset. <BR/>I think it's righteous to live within your means and have enough for charity. How that works out will different for different families.<BR/><BR/>I don't think it's more righteous to buy used than new, so long as either way we are living within our means. I do think it's more fun to buy used, but that's just me. Others don't, so they shouldn't.<BR/><BR/>I also do not think it's more righteous to have less stuff just for the sake of having less stuff. The same danger of spiritual pride obviously can accompany this attitude. If I like the cluttered look and small visitors to my home get joy from fingering little knick knacks and doo-dads, or even learn something from them, why is that less righteous than liking the bare and spare look?<BR/><BR/>I think we are all at some risk of making our personal tastes the standard for righteousness.Headmistress, zookeeperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14071449326819510530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-52753097549998277662007-05-06T06:21:00.000-05:002007-05-06T06:21:00.000-05:00I didn't read all the comments, so maybe this has ...I didn't read all the comments, so maybe this has already been said, but "robbing the needy" is a ridiculous statement! <BR/><BR/>Living frugally is smart and biblical regardless of your income level! If you have the means to spend on the latest and greatest (which I don't thing either of us does) yet choose to buy second hand, that is admirable especially if that unspent money is used to help others. <BR/><BR/>You do not have to justify anything to us or anyone else for that matter. Your finances are none of Hen's business. That is a matter between you and the Lord! He knows the motivations of our heart and the heart is what matters. <BR/><BR/>Bless you!Stephanie Appletonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07411714132368771649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-26598988159393865692007-05-04T16:04:00.000-05:002007-05-04T16:04:00.000-05:00I hate to beat a dead horse but I didn't see anyon...I hate to beat a dead horse but I didn't see anyone mention this take: I shop at thrift stores NOW, so that I can save the difference of buying new to put my children through college LATER. <BR/><BR/>Is that wrong or wise?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-11845399565531999972007-05-04T10:49:00.000-05:002007-05-04T10:49:00.000-05:00I'm coming to the conversation late, and I haven't...I'm coming to the conversation late, and I haven't read all of the above comments yet, so forgive me if this is repetitive. I have just one question for "HEN" -- if the thrift stores are only for the destitute, why does Goodwill take out billboard, television, and radio ads? It would seem that the truly impoverished would not be driving down the interstate (no money for cars or gas) or watching television/listening to the radio (cable bills, extra electricity, etc. would keep them from doing so, or they would lack the time because they are out working or looking for work). <BR/><BR/>Meredith, you know how much your blog means to me. Thanks for all you do, and please don't let naysayers like HEN get you down. You are a blessing to your readers!Laylahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04139165080509788144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-77625718411246380682007-05-04T02:21:00.000-05:002007-05-04T02:21:00.000-05:00Oh, P.S. I went and read the comments there after ...Oh, P.S. I went and read the comments there after seeing this post, Meredith. I find it incredibly funny (in a sad way!) that people are actually saying it's greedy to buy enough of something when it's on sale, to last until the next sale! And that "wealthy" people who like garage sales are wasting their time... I know lots of people who just genuinely love going to garage sales. :) And the comment about a mom who spends an hour a week clipping coupons should be spending that time with her family because she doesn't save anything anyway, ha! I suppose that commenter never spends time doing anything that she finds "fun". ;) And as far as saving money by doing it, I think she's just jealous of Crystal Paine ;)<BR/><BR/>It's so intriguing that people get so defensive and bent out of shape over certain topics, like saving money. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-55602299992481011362007-05-03T20:52:00.000-05:002007-05-03T20:52:00.000-05:00Wow. 1. If people don't shop at thift stores they...Wow. <BR/>1. If people don't shop at thift stores they will close because of high overhead. I've seen it. Patronizing them keeps them in business for everyone. Donating too.<BR/><BR/>2. If I had Meredith's blog when I was a young mom I would have been better off financially. Also I would have been encouraged that it was possible to stay home with my children--<BR/><BR/>3. I have been inspired by Meredith for holding all her stuff with an "open hand". <BR/><BR/>Thanks Meredith!<BR/><BR/>RuthAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-53775104011117804952007-05-03T18:29:00.000-05:002007-05-03T18:29:00.000-05:00Wow! My internet was down for a while. I was so ...Wow! My internet was down for a while. I was so surprised to see all the discussion here. Thanks for commenting--I always say the comments (well, most of them) are the better part of this blog.<BR/><BR/>It's not that I let commenters like HEN get under my skin (though it does sting--it's just that when someone issues a challenging statement like that, obviously tailored to me--I feel like I need to respond.<BR/><BR/>I have to finish planting my flowers and then I'll be back to posting about lighter topics.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-89385060992926012532007-05-03T18:27:00.000-05:002007-05-03T18:27:00.000-05:00A quote from a poster at Challie's: "only in ameri...A quote from a poster at Challie's: "only in america - where almost everyone is in the top 95% of global affluence - do people have the luxury to opine on frugality with such lofty pontification and exquisite articulation."<BR/><BR/>I'm an American and in America along with the lofty pontifications and exquisite articulation (thesaurus much?) we also pontificate (or in other words express dismay and great concern) about the conditions of others around the world. Then, we put our MONEY were our mouth is and we donate MORE than any other developed country in the entire world (at one time and I believe currently more than the rest of them combined). On top of what our government hands out we Americans also reach into our own pockets and donate cash and items needed for relief. We went to Romania and go to China to adopt abandoned children. <BR/><BR/>It IS a luxury, no doubt. To be born an American means much is expected out of us, and while some may abuse their wealth the average American is stepping up to challenges. Perhaps some are frugal because of the overwhleming financial burdens placed on their families while we support the rest of the developing world?<BR/><BR/>I live in Japan, the most consumer driven country I have ever been to. Why aren't people saying "only in Japan" or how about "only in Dubai" where people are so stinking rich they gold plate the walls in their homes just because they can? <BR/><BR/>I shop frugally because after my scripturally warranted donation of a percentage of my income I would rather wear something less expensive if it means putting my children through college or avoiding debt, and especially because being frugal allows me to put more of my money where my mouth is when the need arises. Sadly, it does quite often. Just look at how many of the posters here make comments about how frugality only allows them a greater degree of generosity.<BR/><BR/>I enjoyed Tim's post, he makes good points. We can use our "stewardship" as something we lord over others not so inclined or called. It's not about being superior to others, it's about doing the best we can with what we have and Meredith does that better than just about anyone else I know.Green Tea & Kimcheehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16920829907721216821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-10763338784191664952007-05-03T16:16:00.000-05:002007-05-03T16:16:00.000-05:00I posted here yesterday in response to this, but t...I posted here yesterday in response to this, but the great comment monster must have eaten it.<BR/><BR/>I too found the comments over at Challies to be incredibly judgmental. Really, it is between each individual/family and God how they choose to spend their money and different things are important to different people. Some people scrimp and save in one area in order to be able to afford something more expensive in another area. I have had to learn the hard way, through watching my in-laws spend thousands on home remodeling, new furniture and a new SUV while at the same time trying to tell us they can't afford to make the hour-trip to see their grandchild. This world takes all kinds.<BR/><BR/>In my family, we've always shook our heads over those people who buy brand-new cars, since they depreciate so much just driving off the lot. However, in the last year I have realized that without SOMEBODY out there buying new cars, my dad wouldn't have a job (he works in a factory with ties to the auto industry). It's all inter-dependent.<BR/><BR/>God wants us to be good stewards and I think that means using ALL our resources to best serve our own families, those around us AND our environment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-9248067401997745532007-05-03T13:59:00.000-05:002007-05-03T13:59:00.000-05:00Meredith, you know I love your blog and I complete...Meredith, you know I love your blog and I completely agree with your position and the sentiments echoed in the comment box here.<BR/><BR/>Thrifting and being wise with our money is just that---WISE. It is wise economically but also environmentally to buy used goods that have wear left in them! <BR/><BR/>I posted this over at Challies and I'll say it again here. The issue really isn't so much about frugality as it is about CONTENTMENT. We need to all focus on being content with our lives, be it thrift store purchases or brand new or whatever. We need to be thankful for what we do have and be good stewards of our money, our possesions, our lives, and our earth. Everything else is just gravy! :)<BR/><BR/>I love your blog for many reasons Meredith, frugality and friendship, but I also love it because of your honesty. Keep up the good work.TheNormalMiddlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12331429075393644206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-19085950528677395162007-05-03T13:16:00.000-05:002007-05-03T13:16:00.000-05:00Don't let the negative comment get you down. You ...Don't let the negative comment get you down. You are an inspiration to many of your readers, including me! I don't think I hurt anyone when I choose to spend my family's resources at a thrift store rather than the mall. Besides, the original owners of the antique French country sideboard in my dining room or the Limoges china would probably be delighted that someone else cherishes their treasures. Like most thrifters, I am just as happy when I see someone else with a great find in their cart as I would be if it were mine. Don't let anyone make you feel small for doing what is best for your family and your budget! KristinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-64340058001371140582007-05-03T13:14:00.000-05:002007-05-03T13:14:00.000-05:00Oh, Meredith,Please don't stop doing what you're d...Oh, Meredith,<BR/>Please don't stop doing what you're doing. And please don't stop writing about it. <BR/>It's obvious from your blog that you live a frugal lifestyle not because you want to amass money but because you want to use wisely the financial resources you have. Your heart attitude is clearly one of responsible stewardship, not one of greed.<BR/>Your blog is inspiring.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-85669281489686610162007-05-03T11:36:00.000-05:002007-05-03T11:36:00.000-05:00>>>I don't always shop at Thrift stores, but one t...>>>I don't always shop at Thrift stores, but one thing I find there that is elusive in regular stores these days are cute modest clothing.<BR/><BR/>I so agree with that. I don't think I've shopped for any clothing in the last two years (after some excesses in the preceding years!), but I've seen a lot. What happened to clothing for women who have no desire to show off their cleavage or midriff? Beautiful clothings with lots of options.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-32516034912507787552007-05-03T10:25:00.000-05:002007-05-03T10:25:00.000-05:00Somebody probably already posted this, but as I un...Somebody probably already posted this, but as I understand it, the purpose of those thrift stores is to give employment to people who may not be able to otherwise find work! The more we shop there, the more we help others! <BR/>And what's wrong with fattening your savings account, anyway?Mom2furhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09919967314390699344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-59924531190802925162007-05-03T08:27:00.000-05:002007-05-03T08:27:00.000-05:00I don't always shop at Thrift stores, but one thin...I don't always shop at Thrift stores, but one thing I find there that is elusive in regular stores these days are cute modest clothing. JoyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-47801658525403732382007-05-03T07:33:00.000-05:002007-05-03T07:33:00.000-05:00Hi Merideth -- I haven't read all the responses he...Hi Merideth -- I haven't read all the responses here, but from what I've perused, I agree with what has been said. Keep doing what you are doing.<BR/><BR/>Shane Claiborne in his <I>Irresistible Revolution</I> recommends shopping thrift/secondhand because from a stewardship perspective that (a) you are spending less (b) you are not creating more demand for items and (c) you are not supporting corporations which run poor overseas operations (no matter how much they try to improve working conditions -- there is corruption in many of these countries they operate in and there are ways around the standards).<BR/><BR/>We also purchase only used cars, but purchase newer models and run them for 10+ years. I get a lot of the kids' clothes at garage sales (especially sweaters!) or as gifts or hand-me-downs. <BR/><BR/>We have become big fans of community garage sales (we'll be going to our third one in as many weeks this upcoming weekend LOL), and also are fans of our library's used book sales -- we have acquired many fine books for very little, and are being good stewards by supporting something that is beneficial to the community.<BR/><BR/>Just keep doing what you are doing and keep inspiring us all! ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-45935388143777685742007-05-02T22:14:00.000-05:002007-05-02T22:14:00.000-05:00Please stop reading posts that get you this upset....Please stop reading posts that get you this upset. Life isn't worth the getting worked up! (says the one who gets worked up about politics WAY too often)<BR/><BR/>Stewardship is what we are commanded to do by God, as well as contentment in where we are. I see both in your blog. but remember, the ones you need to be accountable for are: God, your husband, your family. Not a positive commenter on this blog or a negative blogger somewhere else.MommyLydiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15608956553350425075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-23914755869576332972007-05-02T20:22:00.000-05:002007-05-02T20:22:00.000-05:00Meredith, I find your blog fascinating....I've bee...Meredith, I find your blog fascinating....I've been lurking for what seems like forever. <BR/><BR/>If there's a problem, it's that people feel a constant need to judge and prove their superior to others based on their practices. As long as you're not looking at the lady exiting Macy's and thinking "I'm better than you," you have NO need to justify how you and your family choose to live your lives or run your finances.<BR/><BR/>As for the idea that thrift stores are only for the poor and needy to patronize.....ummmm, the thrift store wants your MONEY. They accept donations in order to trade them for MONEY that they funnel into various programs, etc. Frankly, if you went into your local Goodwill and bought up an entire section of clothing, they'd likely be thrilled. <BR/><BR/>Don't stop posting....you inspire me daily.Meangoosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15405379172070724665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-86507933534838479352007-05-02T19:52:00.000-05:002007-05-02T19:52:00.000-05:00Hi Meredith, The negative comments left on that b...Hi Meredith, <BR/>The negative comments left on that blog really demonstrats ignorant bias. I try to use our money as wisely as possible. I go to Goodwill, etc when I have a NEED.<BR/>By shopping yard sales, Goodwill I have money to give in offerings I would not normally have. I am able to help send a teenager on a mission trip and/or when other things come up I have it to give. I also take something to Goodwill when I go to shop there -- sometimes the items I bought from them last year.<BR/>I also know first hand that most of the "poor" people on welfare do not go to Goodwill -- they brag to me about buying the high dollar brand name of whatever is the lastest thing. That is why they are poor -- they don't choose to spend their money wisely. My neighbors go out to eat regularly, have cell phones and other gagets that we don't have... I could get judgemental as said Hen but that is their business. I like them anyway and enjoy their company even if we don't live the same way. Our house will be paid for in five months. We have never had our gas, water, electric or telephone turned off... my neighbors who would never go to Goodwill, have this occurance regularly. I want to shop thrift, I choose to shop thrift and will continue to do so. I appreciate the many tips and teachings you have shared concering living wisely. I do not think I am taking anything away from others that shop at Goodwill. I've never had anybody sob to me "I need that and you have it in your basket".<BR/>Hen needs to get off of her liberal-speak soap box and look at the real world. We all are free to shop where we want to -- they just ask for the money per item; nothing else! No guilt here and you should consider the source of those comments and sleep well.<BR/>Love and Thoughts, <BR/>Miss MegAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-51912330431550377342007-05-02T18:35:00.000-05:002007-05-02T18:35:00.000-05:00Oye! So many comments here! So many GOOD comments!...Oye! So many comments here! So many GOOD comments! Meredith, to me you are the best modern example I think I've ever seen of a Proverbs 31 woman. Ignore Hen. I wondered how fast the comments would head downhill over there. It usually doesn't take long when someone posts something even remotely controversial. Really gets old fast. I think your comment over there was VERY well written. You have such a way with words, girlie. Keep up the great work!Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07011962056021112099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-86319235655459052172007-05-02T18:24:00.000-05:002007-05-02T18:24:00.000-05:00Hi, Meredith. Please don't feel the need to defen...Hi, Meredith. Please don't feel the need to defend yourself against the naysayers. The 'frugal ethics' argument is an old and very tired one. I've enjoyed and admired your blog for many months now and find all your methods of frugality and thrift respectable and sound. Thrift is a virtue we can ALL benefit from -- continue following your heart, and living within your means.Patiencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17762943370256912680noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-24661993150284661562007-05-02T16:14:00.000-05:002007-05-02T16:14:00.000-05:00Meredith--I wouldn't even give it a second thought...Meredith--<BR/><BR/>I wouldn't even give it a second thought. I could elaborate on why, but I fear it would come across as disrespectful to the other blogger and many of the commenters. <BR/><BR/>Bottom line: It behoves each of us to mind our own business and manage our own lives as well as we can, and to assume that in general others are doing the same. You're doing your part, and that's all you need to worry about.<BR/><BR/>That, and giving me pointers on how to "flip" real estate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-27375329382481531062007-05-02T15:58:00.000-05:002007-05-02T15:58:00.000-05:00I hope this comes across correctly. I had such a ...I hope this comes across correctly. <BR/>I had such a hard time getting past the judgemental attitude that permeated the whole post and the replies. I feel I can say that because that has been an attitude that I have been called to repentance on. <BR/>How often do we pass judgement with very little true insight into or knowlege of the motives of those we judge? <BR/>IMO, if someone thinks that there isn't enough stuff to go around they have never shopped at a thrift store or yard sale. If you have ever seen into the stockroom of a thrift store there is usually PILES of stuff waiting to come onto the floor.<BR/>Maybe I'm being a little harsh, I apologize if that is so but the thread was closed before I could comment so unfortunately you will have to listen to me. LOL.<BR/>God Bless you Meredith. Keep doing just what you are.Carrie Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17061525009581491902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-40587290788254230972007-05-02T15:24:00.000-05:002007-05-02T15:24:00.000-05:00On a slightly different note, one of the greatest ...On a slightly different note, one of the greatest benefits of shopping second-hand, in my opinion, is being another step removed from those who actually do "rob," or at least exploit, the needy. It is almost impossible to find clothing that hasn't been made in a sweatshop, even when that clothing is "American Made."Tread Softlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02386736074298184227noreply@blogger.com